Beth David Synagogue’s next Shabbat Luncheon will be held on Saturday, January 11. The Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton’s Executive Director Shelley Hubal will speak on “Why the Jewish Federation Matters: Executive Director Shelley Hubal Leads the Way.” The community is invited to attend. Morning services will begin at 9:30 am, with the luncheon and program following the conclusion of services. The luncheon is free and open to the public.
“May will mark the sixth-year anniversary of Shelley’s tenure,” organizers said. “She is looking forward to sharing the history of Greater Binghamton’s Federation, as well as giving us a solid sense of what she and her dedicated team have accomplished in that short period of time. She will also offer of a view of future endeavors and challenges.”
Raised in Syracuse, Hubal obtained her B.A. in studio art from the University of Buffalo and a master’s in art therapy from The George Washington University. A longtime resident of Binghamton, she and her husband, Mark, have always been actively engaged in the Jewish community. In her role at the helm of the Federation, Hubal emphasized how inspired she remains by the work of Sima Auerbach, her predecessor. “Sima left a wonderful legacy,” Hubal said, “including the Jewish Film Fest and the Holocaust Memorial commemoration at the Temple Israel Cemetery. These important events keep our community connected.”
Hubal said she strives to continue to build upon and enhance that legacy. She is particularly proud of some of her accomplishments. “With the help of Dr. Steve Malkin, I am super proud of our security initiative and the work we have done to educate the community and to raise funds for security infrastructure,” she noted. Hubal also mentioned the challenges that COVID posed, and how grateful she is to her team of devoted board members and volunteers. She said that they succeeded in pivoting so the community could continue to be connected virtually – something she feels continues to this day.
“Shelley has a remarkable gift for bringing the various members of the community together,” organizers said. “Everyone loves working with her. All of us have events or services that we consider memorable, be it Hanukkah celebrations, Community Hockey Night, Tea and Talk (which is co-sponsored with Chabad), the Super Sunday Campaign Kickoff brunch and guest speaker, the gathering of all synagogues and community members after the October 7 attacks, or this summer’s visit by Eitan and Varda Morell to share their story of their son Maoz’s heroic actions in Gaza.”
Organizers also mentioned that Hubal “is modest to the core, doing everything in her quiet and caring way.” “I am not in it for accolades,” Hubal said. “Having a positive impact on the community is what sustains and fulfills me. What I love most about being Federation director is creating meaningful opportunities to bring people together and to witness the generosity of our small and compassionate community!”
“Beth David’s Committee is excited to have the community get to know more about Shelley, the Federation’s mission and the awe-inspiring work she is doing as its executive director,” organizers added. “Come and feel free to bring friends to what is sure to be a great event!”
Beth David’s luncheon speaker series takes place the second Saturday of the month after Shabbat morning services, and is open to the community. There is no charge for the luncheon. Since the monthly series’ continuation depends on the generosity of contributors, Beth David welcomes and appreciates donations to the Luncheon Fund in order to keep the program going. Donations can be made in honor of or in memory of someone, or to mark a special occasion. Those wishing an acknowledgment to be sent to the person being honored, or to the family of someone being remembered, can indicate that, along with the necessary information. Donations can be sent to Beth David Synagogue, 39 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, NY 13905, Attention: Luncheon Fund.